July Challenge: Stories of American Revolutions

Explore Pivotal Moments in American History with the North Little Rock Public Library System Challenge

The North Little Rock Public Library System continues its 2026 Digging Up the Past Challenge with July's theme: Stories of American Revolutions: Pivotal Moments in American History.

This month, we invite readers and viewers to explore the turning points that shaped the nation — stories of upheaval, courage, injustice, and transformation. Whether you choose nonfiction, history, or film, July's challenge is an opportunity to reckon with the moments that changed everything.

What Is the NLRPLS 2026 Challenge?

The NLRPLS 2026 Challenge is a year-long program encouraging the community to explore a new theme each month through books and movies. Inspired by this year's overarching theme, Digging Up the Past, the challenge highlights stories that uncover history, explore hidden stories, and connect readers to meaningful narratives.

You can view the full list of 2026 challenge themes here: 👉 https://www.nlrlibrary.org/blogs/nlrpls-blog/2026-reading-challenge

Throughout the month, NLRPLS staff will share curated recommendations to help you find the perfect book or film.

July Theme: Stories of American Revolutions: Pivotal Moments in American History

For July, choose a book or film that explores a turning point in American history — moments of crisis, resistance, reckoning, or reinvention that reverberate to this day.

Books and films both count toward the challenge.

How to Participate

Read a book or watch a film that fits the theme Stories of American Revolutions: Pivotal Moments in American History. Then submit your entry form either in person at your favorite NLRPLS location or online at: https://www.cognitoforms.com/NLRlibrary1/ReadingChallenge

Participants may submit one entry per person, per month.

Monthly Prize and Grand Prize

Each month, one lucky participant will win a $50 gift card generously donated by Skinny J's. At the end of 2026, all monthly entries will be entered into a grand prize drawing to win an e-reader. The more months you participate, the more chances you have to win.

July Recommendations: Stories of American Revolutions

Looking for a place to start? Here are staff-selected picks that put you at the center of some of the most consequential moments in American history. You can also find additional themed displays and recommendations in person at Laman Library and Argenta Library throughout the month.

The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson
A monumental work of narrative nonfiction tracing the decades-long movement of Black Americans from the South to the North and West, told through the lives of three unforgettable individuals. A story of courage, survival, and the relentless pursuit of a better life. Available on display at Laman Library.

1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History and How It Shattered a Nation by Andrew Ross Sorkin
A gripping account of the financial catastrophe that brought the country to its knees, exploring the decisions, hubris, and systemic failures that made collapse inevitable. Available on display at Laman Library.

Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard
A riveting narrative history of the assassination of President James Garfield, weaving together politics, medicine, and obsession into a story that illuminates a forgotten turning point in American life. If you enjoy it, look for the Netflix series Death by Lightning for more on this remarkable story. Available on Libby as an ebook and audiobook.

Judas and the Black Messiah directed by Shaka King
A powerful and urgent film about the betrayal and assassination of Black Panther Party Chairman Fred Hampton by the FBI, told with searing honesty and extraordinary performances. Available on display at Laman Library.

All the President's Men directed by Alan Pakula
A landmark film following Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein as they unravel the Watergate scandal, capturing one of the most consequential moments of political accountability in American history. Available at Laman Library.

Start Exploring

July's challenge invites you to sit with the moments that made us — and the ones we're still reckoning with. Pick up a book, stream an audiobook, watch a film, and don't forget to submit your entry for a chance to win.

Happy reading, happy watching, and happy exploring!